Follow | @monalogue

Following Ramona, aka @monalogue, is almost like stepping back in time. A wealth of historic buildings, vintage cars and chocolate box villages, the full-time content creator's feed is also intercepted with flashes of fun, food and frolics; reminding us that Ramona's world is the perfect mix of old and young. Read on to delve deeper.

How did you get started?

I started Instagramming in 2010/2011, as soon as I'd saved up enough to buy an iPhone (back then it was iPhone only). After a year and a half, I began to take it more seriously, and after five years it became my job. I never intended for it to become my job, but I am grateful that it did.

Where do you find inspiration?

The best thing about Instagram is that it's such a great source of inspiration. There are a few accounts that I check daily because I adore their work. Away from the screen I find nature inspiring. Leave me in the countryside and I will get carried away with my camera.

How do you decide what to share and what to keep private?

I'm quite open on Instagram because I don't want to mislead anyone. If I'm having a bad time I'll let people know, I've met a lot of friends this way. I want it to be honest and open and to connect with people.

Any tips and tricks?

I plan the way my Instagram grid will look in advance using an app called Snug. After I have planned a few photos, I schedule the posts using Hootsuite. It helps me stay on top of things if I am busy during the week, as well as planning my captions when I have interesting things to say.

What camera and editing software do you use?

I shoot on a Canon EOS 6D with either a 50mm 1.4f lens or a 17-40mm 4.0f lens. I edit the photos using VSCO, usually with the preset A9. I prefer the way photos look when edited in Lightroom, but in my experience the extra effort goes unnoticed by most of the people in my Instagram circle. Snapseed is also an amazing iPhone app and I would highly recommend it for selective adjustments.

How would you describe your aesthetics?

My style is rustic and a little bit moody. If I am making a flat lay, most of my props will have come from charity shops, car boot sales or vintage shops. I like my photos to look a little bit shabby because I feel that they tell a story. When I am out and about I love taking photos of period buildings and classic cars. You probably won't see anything too modern in my Instagram feed.

Tell us something no one knows about you.

In real life I am a huge introvert. I guess people don't see this on Instagram because I talk to so many people so regularly. Away from Instagram I like my own space.

What’s been your favourite piece of work to date?

One of my favourite campaigns was for a hotel in Jersey. There was a lot of creative freedom - I just explored with my camera and documented the trip. It felt really natural and in line with how are use Instagram anyway. I think this is how sponsored work should be.

My favourite bit of non-sponsored work was a photo that I took in a National Trust village with a close friend. We were taking photos of the street when a beautiful Morris Minor drove past at the exact right time. It's been my phone background for as long as I can remember.

Best thing about being a creator?

I love the freedom in my job. If I want to take a day off I get to make that decision. In reality I rarely want to take a day off because I love what I do so much!

If you could give one piece of advice to the younger you what would it be?

My parents never wanted me to work in a creative job. They wanted me to go to university and study science. I would tell myself to follow that same path ([because] you will enjoy it), but don't worry during said path because you will end up working in a creative job eventually, and prove that you can be successful in doing so!